February 2, 2022

LCLD Diversity News Digest

Customized for LCLD Members and Diversity Professionals, this weekly digest brings the latest, most relevant headlines straight to your inbox each Wednesday. Scroll down for thought-provoking articles about LCLD organizations, diversity in the legal profession, leadership and talent development, and the society we live in and serve.

Google GC Halimah DeLaine Prado Joins LCLD Board of Directors

We are thrilled to welcome Google GC and Leader at the Front Halimah DeLaine Prado to the LCLD Board of Directors!

“I am honored to be joining the LCLD board at this critical time in our nation’s history and look forward to being a key voice for the organization as it seeks to make meaningful change in the legal industry,” said Halimah.

“Throughout her career, Halimah has shown a passion for advancing [DE&I] across the legal industry,” said LCLD Board Chair Ellen Dwyer, Chair of the Executive Committee at Crowell & Moring LLP. “I know Halimah will be an invaluable voice as we work to advance LCLD’s mission.”

Read more on LCLD News, Law360

On the Need for Equity in America

A Cautionary Tale of Diversity Myopia

“Just as there is no advantage to diversity unless it is corroborated by real evidence of inclusion, the existence of inclusion in the absence of diversity rings hollow.”  Susan Harmeling for Forbes

Maya Angelou Becomes First Black Woman to Appear on US Quarter as Treasury Begins Distribution

Last month, a new US quarter featuring Maya Angelou was issued as the first in the American Women Quarters Program.  CNN

Workers Expect More Conversations on DE&I Issues, Study Finds

According to a new report, 65 percent of employees expect business leaders to inform and shape conversations around societal injustice.  SHRM

DE&I Development

‘Major Drivers of Deal Value’: Diversity and Inclusion Practices Become Part of Merger Talks

Data shows that diverse companies with diverse boards perform better—and companies are factoring that data into merger decisions, says LCLD Diversity Professional Robert Johnson, Chief Diversity Officer at Gibbons.  Corporate Counsel

3 Steps to Make ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ Mean Something at Your Company

Diversity experts share their top strategies for driving corporate change and making implementation of DE&I initiatives easier.  Business Insider

How to Establish Tangible, Measurable DE&I Initiatives

Set DE&I objectives the same way you set business objectives, look deeper into metrics, and ensure employees have the tools and resources they need to thrive.  BenefitsPRO

LCLD Leads on DE&I

‘I Did What Was Once Unthinkable’: What Procter and Gamble’s Legal Chief Learned From Her Sabbatical

LCLD Member and Leader at the Front Deb Majoras talks mindfulness, personal wellbeing, and the surprising benefits of her nine-week sabbatical.  Corporate Counsel

How Successful DEI Initiatives Actually Work

A few examples of strong DE&I initiatives—including PayPal and Amazon’s—and their positive consequences.  Corporate Compliance Insights

Ropes’ DC Leader Keeps Focus on Retaining and Fostering Talent

With the appointment of a new D.C. office leader, five of Ropes & Gray’s seven MPs remain women. The National Law Journal

Leading for Tomorrow

5 Leadership Lessons to Embrace in 2022 and Beyond

Embracing diversity tops this list of leadership trends that may prove critical to future success.  Inc.

Reimagining the Workplace

The Hidden Link Between Facetime with the Boss and Unconscious Bias

Don’t let proximity bias upend the equity—and employee retention—of your hybrid workplace.…  Inc.

Hybrid Work Can Hurt or Help DEI Efforts. Here’s How to Get It Right.

… Instead, follow best practices like these and take advantage of hybrid work’s unique opportunities for inclusion.  Fast Company

Six LCLD Members recently published their Leader Pledges to enhance DE&I practices in their organizations:

• Colin Murray (Baker & McKenzie LLP)
• Gregory Jordan (PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.)
• Alan Fershtman (Keating Muething Klekamp PLL)
• Andrew Kassner (Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP)
• Tom Froehle (Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP)
• Mark Wasserman (Eversheds Sutherland LLP)

Want to know more about creating an effective Leader’s Pledge? Sign up for one of our Virtual Leadership Summits (LCLD Members only).

See the full list of LCLD Members who have made their commitments public here, and learn more about how you can join the movement here.

If you have questions about the Leaders at the Front initiative, please contact Caitlin Puffenberger, LCLD Membership and Communications Manager.

Upcoming Events: Members & Diversity Professionals

FEBRUARY 11  ||  Diversity Professionals + Members
[EXTENDED!]  2022 Fellows Nomination Period Closes
[EXTENDED!]  2022 Pathfinder Nomination Period Closes

FEBRUARY 16  |  1–2 pm ET  ||  LCLD Community
Language of Leadership Series with Deborah Telman (Organon and Co.)
Click here to view all scheduled Language of Leadership webinars. 

FEBRUARY 22  |  12–1 pm ET  ||  Diversity Professionals
Virtual Office Hours with Robert Grey, Jr.

MARCH 1  |  11 am–2 pm ET  ||  Members Only
LCLD Virtual Leadership Summit